Lampaert, Keukeleire and Dupont respond to Omloop Het Nieuwsblad

Yves Lampaert is not satisfied with his first spring classic on Belgian roads. “I’ve never really been in the race and the legs weren’t what they should be. So I can’t really be satisfied.” And that immediately seems to be the story of the entire Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl team. “Bert Van Lerberghe became ill this night and we also had to miss Tim Declercq. That means that we were not at full strength here at the start. I’m already hoping for improvement in the next matches,” concludes the Ingelmunsternaar.

“Using opening weekend to get stronger”

In contrast to Lampaert, Bruggeling Jens Keukeleire (EF Education-EasyPost) was quite satisfied with his match. “The feeling wasn’t bad. Most of all, it went very quickly. On the Berendries I soon felt that I was a bit short to ride with the first group. But despite the fact that I didn’t have a flawless run-up to this match, I certainly can’t complain. I had to use this weekend to get stronger anyway.”

We hear the same sound with Timothy Dupont (Bingoal Wallonie-Bruxelles) from Bredene. “My race went pretty well, although it was just a bit too much for the Berendries. I just couldn’t ride with the pack and then you know it’s game over. But all in all, the condition is pretty good.”